Italian Meat Sauce

August 18, 2025 by admin

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### 👩‍🍳 How to Make It

1. **Sauté the aromatics:**
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened (about 5–7 minutes), then stir in garlic.

2. **Brown the meat:**
Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned. Break it up with a spoon and drain any excess fat if needed.

3. **Build the base:**
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Then add crushed tomatoes and wine (or broth).

4. **Season and simmer:**
Add herbs, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for **30–60 minutes**, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.

5. **Taste and serve:**
Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve over your favorite pasta, or layer into lasagna, baked ziti, or even use it as a pizza sauce.

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### 🍝 Serving Suggestions

* Toss with **tagliatelle, rigatoni, or spaghetti**
* Spoon over **ricotta-stuffed shells**
* Layer in a **classic lasagna**
* Pair with a **chunk of garlic bread** and a green salad

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### 💡 Tips for the Best Flavor

* **Use a meat mix:** Try combining beef and pork for a more traditional, rich flavor.
* **Let it simmer low and slow:** The longer it cooks, the better it gets.
* **Make it ahead:** Meat sauce tastes even better the next day — perfect for batch cooking.
* **Freeze leftovers:** Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

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### Final Thoughts

Italian meat sauce is the **definition of comfort food** — hearty, fragrant, and deeply satisfying. With a few pantry staples and a little patience, you can create a sauce that rivals your favorite trattoria. Once you make it from scratch, it’s guaranteed to become a **go-to recipe for pasta night**, and a beloved dish for years to come.

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Want to pair this with homemade pasta or a fresh Italian side? Let me know — I’d love to help round out the perfect Italian dinner!